Review: Persuasion by Jane Austen

Persuasion is one of my favorite movie adaptations in the world. I could watch the Masterpiece Theater version over and over without getting sick of it. That’s how much I love it. Since I had never read a Jane Austen book before, I decided to go with that one for my Summer Romance Challenge. I have to admit it was not easy at first. The very beginning with the details on the family and friends of the family was a struggle to get through. I think the reason why is because I know the story so well from the movie. Once more dialogue came about, it became very enjoyable.

Anne Elliot was once engaged to Frederick Wentworth when she was very young. Since her friend Lady Russell didn’t approve of the match, she persuaded Anne to break off the engagement. Fast forward eight years later. Anne’s father Sir Walter and sister Elizabeth have nearly brought the family to bankruptcy. They have to let the house to someone while they get things back to where it should be financially. The person who takes up residency is Admiral and Mrs. Croft. And guess who happens to be the brother of Mrs. Croft? You guessed it--Frederick, now Captain Wentworth.

So now Anne is forced into being around him often, watching him from afar, imagining him as not wanting anything to do with her. Especially when it seems he is preferring the company of another. As time goes on, he gets to see a different side of her, how selfless she is. And when it seems he is attentive to her, Mr. Elliot, her cousin, seems to be very interested in Anne. But where does Anne stand? Does she have a chance with Frederick again?

Like I said, this is one of my favorite movie adaptations. Reading the book was like icing on the cake, completely put it all into perspective, getting into the mind of the characters. Jane Austen really is an amazing author. I wish I hadn’t taken so long to read one of her novels. Definitely one of the best classics I’ve read so far.

11 comments:

I don't think I could read an Austen without watching a film adaptation first. Maybe My heads not screwed on right but I find I just don't get what's going on otherwise...Persuasion isn't one I've watched/read but it sounds really good :)

With the way my focus is, I need to see movies first. Persuasion is a must. See the movie! This version: http://www.amazon.com/Persuasion-Sally-Hawkins/dp/B000YIGNKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1317124489&sr=8-2 The camera positioning and music will make you get chills it's so good. :)

This is my all time favorite Austen (and that's difficult to say, because I LOVE Austen)! The DVD is actually sitting right next to my TV right this minute...you know, in case there's an emergency and I need to immediately watch it!

I read this one before I saw any movie adaptions. It it my favorite Austen, I love it! I can imagine when you know all the background the book would have been a little frustrating but I still think the book is better than any adaption. ;)

I think this was Austen's next-best romance after Elizabeth and Darcy. I read all the Jane Austen's at university (I say 'all' like it's a huge triumph - there're only 6 and they're around 300 pages each) but I reread Persuasion for a book club last year. I agree that the first 40 pages or so are a bit hard to get through, but once you do get through them, it's a much easier read. I admit the end always makes me teary-eyed. Anne and Captain Wentworth just lose so many years they could have had together, that when they *finally* confess their feelings, you feel so darn emotional.

Persuasion is not just one of my favourite Austen novels, but one of my favourites of all time. :D I absolutely adore all the characters in it.

The Masterpiece Theatre version, is that the one starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones? If so, that's my favourite adaptation. :)

I re-read all of Austen's novels regularly (usually annually or bi-annually), plus I read a lot of other 18th and 19th century literature, so I don't have any problems with the language. But I know that for people who aren't used to it, it can be a bit heavy going until you really get into the story. But it is so worth the perseverance.

About Me

Jessica Sankiewicz is the author of the New Adult novella series, This Night. You can often find her either reading or marathon watching TV on DVD, her favorites being Castle and Veronica Mars. She frequently mismatches her clothes and giggles uncontrollably. She knows almost every Billy Joel song by heart. She collects books and toys, and she has an intense love of cats and lemurs. Jessica decided when she turned 27 that she would remain 27 forever. Currently in the midst of her quarter-life-crisis, she is still takin' names and getting very close to reaching an epiphany.

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